Powering Hawaii's Future

Exploring the history of downtown Honolulu’s power plant

Exploring the history of downtown Honolulu’s power plant

Every day on my way to work, I see the deactivated Honolulu Power Plant sitting at the end of Alakea Street in downtown Honolulu, and I often wondered what the inside looked like. At the end of last year, our government and community relations, and corporate communications process area had the opportunity to tour the facility.

Lei Day and Merrie Monarch Festival celebrate culture and community

Lei Day and Merrie Monarch Festival celebrate culture and community

Today is Lei Day in Hawaii, one of many celebrations rooted in our state’s rich culture and diverse communities. Lei Day is about sharing aloha and honoring the relationships that connect us.

Shop Small & Support Local: Where to grab matcha in downtown Honolulu/Chinatown

Shop Small & Support Local: Where to grab matcha in downtown Honolulu/Chinatown

Occasionally, when walking through downtown or driving in the area, I see our crews and contractors hard at work, and I’m always amazed at the time and effort they put into servicing our grid. I don’t know how to fix a vault or inspect manholes to support the area, but there is one thing I know a bit more about: matcha and the many local businesses in the neighborhood that make great lattes.

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Electric Vehicles, Renewable Energy

Electric Garage Talk: Driven by Tony

April 17, 2025 | Timur Tufail

Meet Tony Benton, a lifelong car enthusiast and rideshare driver living in Honolulu. When his gas-powered car gave out, he made the leap into the electric lane with a Chevy Bolt — and hasn’t looked back. In this candid conversation, Tony shares what it’s like switching to an EV as a full-time driver.

Emergency Preparedness, Safety

Strengthening partnerships for a safer Hawaii

April 7, 2025 | Emily Miyashiro

Last July, we launched the Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program as part of our commitment to reducing wildfire risks and ensuring community safety. Since then, we’ve continued to work on improving our processes to make the best decisions during a PSPS event.

Community

Planting seeds of change at the Waianae Kai Forest Reserve

March 10, 2025 | Haley Kunimura

This past December, I started working at Hawaiian Electric as a digital communications and social media specialist. One of the reasons I was interested in joining the ohana was our commitment to Hawaii's community — not just in the everyday services we provide but in the impact we have in the everyday lives of Hawaii's people.

Community

Dad taught lessons in saving energy, serving customers

February 28, 2025 | Shannon Tangonan

It’s amazing how much I learned from my father over the 50-plus years he was in my life. My dad, Richard Tangonan, passed away in early January and now that he’s gone, I’m struck by how much he taught me — everything from his energy-saving habits to customer service skills.

Community

Supporting robotics; investing in future engineers

February 22, 2025 | Michelle Orian-Lau

For nearly 20 years, our company has supported robotics programs such as FIRST Robotics, FIRST Lego League, Botball and VEX robotics competitions knowing that the investment in these STEM programs would help Hawaii develop future leaders and innovators. If any of those students went on to join our Hawaiian Electric ohana — even better.

Community

Champions help to heal communities: Bryson Toma

February 19, 2025 | Sharon Higa

Our next 2024 Kokua Champion, Bryson Toma, is a shift supervisor and leader of the Hawaii Island generation department, a role that helps to keep the lights on for our Big Island customers. The Hilo native is also a former Hawaii Army National Guard member who faithfully served our country as an Army medic from 1996 until his retirement in 2020.

Community

Champions help to heal communities: Samantha Takamura

February 3, 2025 | Sharon Higa

Aside from exemplary volunteerism, the selection of a Kokua Community Service Champion is based on level of involvement and impact in the community, which our next champion Samantha “Sammy” Takamura has in spades.

Community

Champions help to heal communities: Jamila Jarmon

February 1, 2025 | Sharon Higa

From modest beginnings to an astonishing record of achievements that include her recent selection to the Obama Foundation Leaders Program, Jamila Jarmon is a force to be reckoned with and she’s just getting started.

Community

Try a STEM home experiment

January 27, 2025 | Andrew Millard

Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) interests are increasing throughout the nation. Hawaiian Electric supports STEM for local youth by sponsoring the Hawaii VEX IQ Elementary and Middle School Robotics Competitions.

Community

Champions help to heal communities: John DiGiovanni

January 22, 2025 | Sharon Higa

Prior to joining Hawaiian Electric in 2017, John DiGiovanni served our country as an active-duty member of the United States Marine Corps and today brings the same level of dedication, leadership and commitment to excellence to his current role at Hawaiian Electric as well as his service to local communities as a volunteer for youth and veteran organizations.